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Bumgarner to lead OFBF Center for Food and Animal Issues

COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) – Michael A. Bumgarner has been named vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) new Center for Food and Animal Issues. His appointment is effective July 1, 2009.

The Center was created in May of 2009 to engage farmers, consumers and others who have connections to animals in a public dialog over the proper role of animals in society, and to advance their shared values.

“This Center is crucial to the future of farmers and others who rely on animals, and Mike is just the person to spearhead our new initiatives,” said OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher. “Mike will bring strategic thinking and practical ideas that will make this Center valuable to everyone it serves.”

Bumgarner joins Ohio Farm Bureau after a long career with United Producers, Inc. (UPI). He has been UPI’s vice president of marketing and member services since February 2005 and held several other management positions with the company since 1990. Prior to UPI, Bumgarner was a manager and broker with Refco, Inc. and Heinold commodities Inc. He has served in leadership roles with the National Institute of Animal agriculture, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Livestock Marketing Association, Ohio Livestock Coalition and Ohio Farm Animal Care Commission and the Five State Beef Initiative. He was a board member for Mechanicsburg Exempted Schools and has been an adviser and volunteer with Ohio’s 4-H program. He received a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from The Ohio State University.

Bumgarner and his wife, Leslie, live on a family farm and are the parents of two grown children.

As vice president of the Center for Food and Animal Issues, Bumgarner will be responsible for its policy, communications and outreach efforts. He also will oversee a subsidiary of the Center, the Animals for Life Foundation, which will focus on fund raising efforts to support the Center’s mission.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.